As Durant struggles, Westbrook puts Thunder up 2-0 on Mavs

By: Associated Press

Posted: Tue 5:07 PM, May 01, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - With Kevin Durant struggling with his shot, fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook is carrying the load to help the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series against defending NBA champion Dallas.

Durant has missed almost twice as many shots as he has made in the first two games of the series, connecting on only 15 of his 44 attempts. Yet those struggles have been masked by his dramatic jumper in the final seconds to win Game 1 and by Westbrook's sharp play.

Westbrook is the second-leading scorer in the playoffs so far, averaging 28.5 points per game.

Coach Rick Carlisle says his Mavericks would rather have Westbrook shooting the jumpers he's been attempting instead of driving, but they've got to contest his shots better.

Game 3 is Thursday night in Dallas.

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